Maximizing Agricultural, Digital and Creative Business Opportunities in Africa

The Agricultural, digital and creative industries in Liberia and Nigeria provide a promising avenue for economic empowerment, particularly for women, youths, and persons with disabilities. The ongoing updates to investment policies and investment-friendly conditions in both countries demonstrate a commitment to attracting investors and promoting economic growth.

In Liberia, the Liberia Investment, Finance, and Trade (LIFT) Project provides an opportunity for investors to finance projects that support sustainable economic growth and development, including those that benefit women and youth.

For example, investing in the agricultural sector can create job opportunities for women and youth in rural areas, where they often face limited economic opportunities. Additionally, the creative industry, such as the fashion and art sectors, provides an opportunity to empower women and youth by providing training, skill development, and entrepreneurship support.

Similarly, Nigeria's Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Project is an excellent opportunity for investors looking to support innovative ideas and create jobs for women and youth.

The project focuses on providing financial and technical support to small and medium-sized enterprises in the digital and creative industries, enabling them to grow and become more competitive in the global market.

Investing in Liberia and Nigeria's agricultural, technological, and artistic sectors can significantly impact the economic empowerment of persons with disabilities. For example, technology can be used to create assistive devices that can help persons with disabilities to be more productive in the agricultural sector. Furthermore, investing in the artistic sectors can provide opportunities for persons with disabilities to showcase their talents and creativity and even start their businesses.

For these and future investments to however take hold, we must look beyond merely greater programs to increase funding and market access.

The need for behavioral and mindset change in women, youth, and persons with a disability is essential to ensure the success of any major enterprise development activity.

Firstly, women, youth, and persons with disabilities often face social and cultural barriers that limit their access to education, training, and employment opportunities.

To overcome these barriers, a change in mindset is necessary. This change should involve challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes, promoting inclusivity, and fostering a culture of equal opportunity. By doing so, these individuals can develop the confidence and self-esteem needed to pursue their aspirations and contribute to the economic growth of their communities.

Secondly, a change in behavior is necessary to foster an entrepreneurial mindset. Women, youth, and persons with disabilities often lack the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to start and manage a business. Therefore, training and mentorship programs should focus on developing the necessary entrepreneurial skills, such as risk-taking, creativity, and adaptability.

Moreover, it is essential to create a supportive ecosystem that encourages experimentation and innovation. By fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, these individuals can develop sustainable, profitable, and socially responsible businesses.

Finally, a change in mindset is necessary to challenge negative attitudes towards disability. People with disabilities are often stigmatized, discriminated against, and excluded from society. This exclusion leads to limited employment opportunities and a lack of access to resources and services. Therefore, it is essential to promote a culture of disability inclusion that recognizes the potential and capabilities of persons with disabilities. By doing so, these individuals can contribute to the economic growth of their communities, and society can benefit from the diverse perspectives and experiences they bring to the table.

The need for behavioral and mindset change in women, youth, and persons with a disability is critical to ensuring the success of any major enterprise development activity. Such change involves challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes, promoting inclusivity, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, and creating a supportive ecosystem that encourages experimentation and innovation. By doing so, we can create a more equitable and prosperous society that benefits everyone.